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Charmaine Soh bids farewell after Singapore end 16-year wait for Netball Nations Cup title

Khalis Rifhan
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Charmaine Soh bids farewell after Singapore end 16-year wait for Netball Nations Cup title

SINGAPORE: Veteran national team netball player Charmaine Soh announced retirement after Singapore defeated Papua New Guinea 59-56 to win the 2023 Mirxes Nations Cup on Saturday (Oct 28) at the OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Hub. It is Singapore’s third Nations Cup title, which they last won 16 years ago. Singapore won the first two editions of the tournament in 2006 and 2007 and were finalists in four subsequent editions in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2019.

Soh is arguably one of the most iconic netball players for the national team. She made her debut for Singapore against Jamaica at the Netball World Cup held in Singapore in 2011. Over the years, she has been a key player in many successful Singapore national netball teams, including those that won the gold in the 2012 and 2014 Asian Netball Championships and the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

“It’s been amazing from the start, from getting selected to the team and being the newbie to now being the oldest in the team. I would like to thank my teammates and the coaches who have been with me throughout these years. I’m really thankful to them for shaping me into who I am today. And to the team, I would like to tell them to continue to work hard and ‘jia you’ to the young ones,” shared a tearful Soh, Singapore’s most capped player with 128 appearances with the national team over 12 years.

The 33-year-old was inducted into the Netball Hall of Fame in 2018 and has competed in three Netball World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019), five Asian Netball Championships (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022), and three Southeast Asian Games (2015, 2017 and 2019). She also held leadership roles within the team, serving as co-vice-captain from 2015 to 2018 and national captain in 2019.

SINGAPORE’S FIRST NATIONS CUP TITLE IN 16 YEARS

In the inaugural tournament, Singapore lost to Papua New Guinea in the round-robin match but turned the tide when the two teams met again in the final as the hosts won 46-41 at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall. The following year, Singapore defeated all their opponents in the group stage and won 56-32 against Trinidad and Tobago in the final.

This year, Singapore won the title the same way they did in 2006, losing to Papua New New Guinea in the group stage but beating them in the final.

In the first match, Singapore suffered a narrow 50-52 defeat to Papua New Guinea. After that loss, the Singapore team regrouped, focused and went on to win the rest of their group matches. They were impressive in their 22-goal win over Cook Islands (58-36) in their second match, and they followed it up with a hard-fought 50-44 against Canada next. In their fourth match, Singapore had no difficulties winning 55-31 against the younger Singapore ‘A’ team. Singapore then set up their rematch with Papua New Guinea in the final with an 11-goal victory over Sri Lanka (65-54) in their last round-robin match.

Photo credit: Mirxes Nations Cup

It was a fiercely contested final as both teams were pouncing on each other’s defence, trying to find ways to score goals. However, midway through, Singapore made some errors, allowing Papua New Guinea to edge ahead and claim the first quarter with a two-goal lead (18-16).

However, Singapore managed to calm their nerves and dominated the second quarter. The home team overpowered their rivals through solid defensive play from Jamie Lim, Aqilah Andin, and Khor Ting Fang, complemented by precise shooting from Amandeep Chahal and Toh Kai Wei. Singapore established a nine-goal lead at the half-time interval, gaining a 19-8 advantage.

Despite some errors creeping into Singapore’s game during the third quarter, Papua New Guinea couldn’t capitalise. Instead, Singapore’s sustained defensive pressure enabled them to win the third quarter by three goals, further extending their lead (48-37). It was a tense final quarter for Singapore as they experienced a higher turnover count and more missed shots than in previous quarters. The Singapore players on the bench, as well as the fans, were kept on the edge of their seats as Papua New Guinea mounted a strong comeback and reduced the gap in the closing stages of the game. Although Papua New Guinea registered 19 goals compared to Singapore’s 11 in the fourth quarter, it was not enough as Singapore held on to win the match 59-56 and lift the Mirxes Nations Cup 2023 title. 

Reflecting on her team’s performance against Papua New Guinea, Singapore national coach Annette Bishop expressed her pride in her team’s resilience, stating: “They were brilliant. They stuck together and stuck to the task. Papua New Guinea were coming at us, but we stood tall, and that was what we had to do. Minimise our errors and then just grow our game. We attacked the ball and, and just needed to tidy up on our defence.”

Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong congratulated the Singapore national netball team on their triumph and made a special mention of Soh on her retirement.

“A huge shoutout this Sunday to our national netball team for securing a historic victory. Their first title in 16 years! They faced Papua New Guinea, a team to whom they had lost narrowly in the tournament opener, and emerged triumphant in the finals! This victory not only brought the Mirxes Nations Cup title back to Singapore but also marked our third title in the tournament, the first since our memorable win in 2007,” posted Minister Tong on his Facebook page.

“What truly sets this victory apart is the camaraderie among our players. Their strong teamwork and unity made this victory even more meaningful. And not forgetting our coaches who dedicated themselves in nurturing and developing this team of young promising players. I also want to extend the shoutout to our sharpshooter, Charmaine Soh, for her remarkable achievement of 128 appearances for the national team. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional skills have been a cornerstone of our success.”

The minister added that the victory was a testament to the resilience and unity of the national netball team. He hopes that as we celebrate this momentous occasion, we can look forward to a brighter future for Singapore netball.

Match Results – 28 October 2023 (Saturday)

Final – Papua New Guinea vs Singapore: 56-59

3rd Placing Match – Cook Islands vs Canada: 49-48

5th Placing Match – Singapore A vs Sri Lanka:  55-48

Final Standings:

1st: Singapore

2nd: Papua New Guinea

3rd: Cook Islands

4th: Canada

5th: Singapore A

6th: Sri Lanka

Thrifting in SG: Singapore’s thrifted retail therapy

Mary Alavanza
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Thrifting in SG: Singapore’s thrifted retail therapy

SINGAPORE: In the bustling streets of Singapore, a retail therapy revolution is quietly unfolding under the banner of “thrifting in SG”. Thrifting also known as purchasing used items, was once confined to budget-conscious and eco-conscious consumers but has now evolved into a wellness trend.

The resale market for used clothing, shoes, and accessories is on the rise, with more people opting for second-hand items. As per the recent ThredUp 2023 Resale Report, the global used clothing market is expected to reach a remarkable US$350 billion (S$479 billion) by 2027, nearly doubling its current size, as reported by Yahoo News.

In response to the growing thrifting trend, Choy Jia Yu and her friends established Thryft in 2019, with sustainability as a central mission. Thryft, a unique blend of online and offline thrift shopping, currently operates as a pop-up at Peace Centre.

Thryft specializes in offering quality second-hand books and clothing, all priced at a fraction of their original costs. Choy, a 24-year-old member of Generation Z, reflects on her inspiration for this venture, “A couple of years back, thrifting wasn’t as big as it is now. It involved a lot of going to traditional thrift shops, which was fun but somewhat niche. We wanted to make buying second-hand more accessible to those who would normally go for traditional retail.”

For Choy, thrifting is not just a trend but a conscious effort to address the environmental impact of fast fashion. She feels a sense of accomplishment in knowing that she’s giving pre-loved items a new lease on life without guilt.

But overall, how does shopping contribute to feeling better, and is there more to it than meets the eye?

According to Web MD, retail therapy is when individuals go shopping with the primary goal of making themselves feel better. 62% of shoppers buy something to cheer themselves up, while an additional 28% make a purchase to celebrate a special occasion.

Benefits of Retail Therapy

Retail therapy can be viewed as frivolous, but there are psychological benefits to it than meets the eye.

  1. Restores Control: Making choices while shopping can restore a sense of control over one’s life.
  2. Boosts Happiness: The anticipation of a treat or reward releases dopamine in the brain, making individuals feel good.
  3. Emotional Journey: Simply browsing through stores or online shops can provide an exciting emotional journey.
  4. Distraction: Shopping takes people away from their sources of sadness, offering a welcome distraction.
  5. Social Interaction: It can lead to connections with others as individuals explore malls or online marketplaces.
  6. Therapeutic Saving: Saving up for a desired item gives something to look forward to and releases dopamine over time.

In fact, a study found that buying things one enjoys can be up to 40 times more effective at regaining a sense of control compared to not shopping at all.

With the thrifting trend on the rise in Singapore, more people are finding retail therapy not only enjoyable but also an opportunity for personal well-being. It’s a subtle revolution, reshaping how Singaporeans find solace and happiness in the act of shopping.

Ex-school rebel turned digital marketing entrepreneur

Mary Alavanza
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Ex-school rebel turned digital marketing entrepreneur

SINGAPORE: Lee Jin Rui, an ex-school rebel turned digital marketing entrepreneur, had a vision of running his own business since he was just 10 years old. His entrepreneurial journey began with an unusual venture – buying and selling Japanese trading card games, specifically Cardfight!! Vanguard. By the time he graduated from primary school, he had amassed close to S$4,000 from these transactions, making him the “biggest dealer” even within his school. However, his early exploits weren’t without consequences; he received a warning from the school for his trading activities.

As reported by TODAY, Lee Jin Rui, now age 22, was undeterred by this setback and pursued his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. In 2021, he founded Wiz Consultancy, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping clients enhance their brand visibility and optimize their content to reach a broader audience. But he didn’t stop there. In July 2023, this data science student at the University of London (LSE) took a step further by launching Adolet, an education firm offering free digital marketing training programs to students.

His curriculum at Adolet covers essential digital marketing skills, including search engine optimization (SEO) and WordPress content marketing, and has already attracted nearly 30 students to the program. What sets his program apart is the focus on real-world examples and hands-on experience, providing students with practical skills that are highly valuable in the job market.

One of the program’s success stories is Ms. Quinny Tran, a 21-year-old marketing student at Curtin University. She stumbled upon Mr. Lee’s program while searching for affordable courses to supplement her knowledge. Most courses she found were prohibitively expensive for a student, but Adolet’s free offering was a game-changer. Impressed by the practical knowledge and interpersonal skills she gained, Ms. Tran later joined Mr. Lee’s company as an intern.

Another participant, 26-year-old William Tan, the head of operations at MWI Technologies, emphasized the value of the soft skills he acquired. While hard skills like SEO and marketing techniques can be learned elsewhere, Mr. Lee’s program also taught participants how to effectively communicate with employers, solve business problems, and assign value to their work. This emphasis on soft skills is often overlooked in theory-based learning.

Mr. Lee’s journey to entrepreneurship was undoubtedly supported by his parents and teachers, who encouraged his ventures. After completing primary school in Singapore, his family relocated to Cape Town, South Africa. During his time there, he started a start-up with friends and received support from his teacher to work on his business. His parents offered invaluable networking contacts, helping his business secure initial capital funding.

For Mr. Lee, giving back to the community is a key motivator. His decision to offer free training programs aligns with his belief in providing value to others without expecting financial gain in return. He encourages aspiring young entrepreneurs to adopt the “Just Do It” mindset, emphasizing the importance of taking action and gaining confidence through evidence.

As Mr. Lee said, “You shouldn’t overthink it and just do it. Don’t expect anything in return when you do something for companies when (you’re starting out) because you can’t have confidence without evidence.”

79% of Standard Chartered’s profits come from Singapore and Hong Kong

Anna Maria Romero
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79% of Standard Chartered’s profits come from Singapore and Hong Kong

SINGAPORE: A recent article says that Standard Chartered’s bankers in Singapore and Hong Kong are carrying the load across the globe for the bank, with 79 per cent of Standard Chartered’s profits coming from these two cities, based on the bank’s third-quarter results.

“Two cities are subsiding the entire rest of the bank,” wrote Mr Zeno Toulon in a piece for efinancialcareers.com, a leading global financial services careers website published on Friday (Oct 27), after saying that this is something that many have observed for some time now. The writer also called Singapore and Hong Kong Standard Charter’s money makers “by some margin.”

He noted that in spite of Standard Chartered’s bankers in the two cities only employing less than 39 per cent of the bank’s capital, combined, 79 per cent of the bank’s underlying profit came from Singapore and Hong Kong.

Read related: Finance careers: Singapore vs Hong Kong

The two cities, plus Taiwan and the UAE, have performed the most efficiently when it comes to Return on tangible equity (ROTE), and also have the the lowest cost-income ratios. ROTE, which is a company’s profit post-tax, divided by tangible equity, has long been a benchmark of profitability and performance.

On the other end of the scale is Standard Charter UK, which has lost money for the bank. Though it employs nearly twenty-five per cent of Standard Chartered’s assets, it posted a loss of almost US$200 million (S$274 million), as well as wrote off almost $700m (S$959 million), in relation to its position in local retail Bohai Bank. The bank remains optimistic about its business prospects in China, Mr Toulon added.

And while the world’s second largest economy has been going through tough times, the opposite is true of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong, which has had a very good year so far.

Read also: Considering a career in finance: Should you go buy-side or sell-side?

For people considering a career in finance or are already in it and are wondering which finance hub is a better choice, there are a few factors to consider.  A recent piece in Bloomberg pointed out that Singapore, “the Switzerland of Asia,” has been attracting an influx of wealth from overseas.

Funds overseen by the asset management industry have grown to twice its size in six years and are now at around $4 trillion (S$5.45 trillion). High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals have been drawn by political and economic stability and low-income tax rates in Singapore, and industry experts are saying the inflow is unlikely to stop anytime soon.

Strict COVID-19 restrictions and fears of restrictions from Beijing even drove a considerable number of finance workers from Hong Kong to Singapore during the early years of the pandemic. Still, some have started to go back to Hong Kong since then, Bloomberg reported.

Nevertheless, Hong Kong has kept its edge as Asia’s top financial centre, given its relation to China, the second-largest global economy. Hong Kong has the advantage of proximity to China’s US$18 trillion (S$24.5 trillion) economy, compared to Singapore’s relationship to countries in South East Asia, with a combined US$3 trillion (S$4.1 trillion) economy. Small wonder that nearly half of Asia’s hedge fund managers are based in Hong Kong. /TISG

“Hamilton” Musical Set To Debut At Marina Bay Sands In April 2024: Don’t Throw Away Your Shot!

Mary Alavanza
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“Hamilton” Musical Set To Debut At Marina Bay Sands In April 2024: Don’t Throw Away Your Shot!

SINGAPORE: Hamilton is all set for its April 2024 debut at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, marking its first international tour since its 2015 Broadway premiere.

Hamilton is renowned for its diverse and talented cast. Australian actor Jason Arrow will take on the role of Alexander Hamilton, and the ensemble includes New Zealander Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, American actor Darnell Abraham as George Washington, and Korean-American actor David Park, who will impressively assume two roles as Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson.

The musical, based on Ron Chernow’s biography, has received numerous accolades, including Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prizes. Its unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway music has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

Hamilton’s engagement is presented at the Sands Theatre by Base Entertainment Asia. Tickets go on sale on Nov 14 through Marina Bay Sands ticketing and SISTIC. For those interested in joining the waitlist, you can sign up on Base Entertainment Asia’s website to secure your spot at the front of the line for tickets. So, don’t throw away your shot!

But wait… for musical lovers, here are more musicals to look forward to in Singapore according to HHWT (Have Halal Will Travel).

Other Musicals in SG

Madagascar: The Musical

Experience the wild adventure of Madagascar in a live musical performance. Join four ‘wild’ animals who find themselves shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar, and uncover the mysteries of their journey. This delightful musical has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes and will be in Singapore from Jan 18 to 28, 2024 at the Esplanade Theatre. Tickets are available at prices ranging from $48 to $138.

 

Matilda: The Musical

Roald Dahl’s beloved story, Matilda, comes to life in this live musical. Follow the tale of a neglected genius child with extraordinary powers, from moving objects with her mind to heartwarming laughter. The musical has a runtime of 140 minutes with a 20-minute intermission and will be in Singapore from Mar 9 to 31, 2024. Ticket prices range from $68 to $992.

Falling

Pangdemonium! presents “Falling,” a raw and inspiring theatrical production that explores the life of a family with older autistic children. This revival of a powerful story is a must-watch, running from Mar 8 to 24, 2024 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre @ Esplanade.

 

Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Step into the chaotic world of George and Martha, a middle-aged couple, as they entertain a younger couple, Nick and Honey. Bitter rivalries and hidden secrets unravel in this timeless production, running from Jun 7 to 23, 2024 at KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT.

 

Dear Evan Hansen

Explore the gripping story of Evan Hansen, a lonely outcast who uses letter-writing to express his inner turmoil. With unexpected twists and life-changing events, Evan’s world takes a dramatic turn. Witness the consequences of his decisions in this compelling production from Oct 11 to Nov 3, 2024 at the Victoria Theatre.

/TISG

 

The post appeared first on The Independent News.

 

Read also: 

Singaporean Singer Nathan Hartono Dazzles On Sing! China, Chooses Jay Chou As Mentor

Shila Amzah Debuts “Kita” Single, a Celebration of Malaysia’s Multicultural Unity” 

 

Singapore’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory: Suggested new yearly dose

Mary Alavanza
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Singapore’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory: Suggested new yearly dose

SINGAPORE: In response to the increasing demand for updated COVID-19 vaccines, Singapore has announced an extension of the operating hours for all Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres on Saturdays, running from November 4 to December 2. The move comes after the COVID-19 vaccine advisory, now encouraging individuals aged six months and above to receive an additional dose in either 2023 or 2024, as reported by CNA.

Previously, the recommendation was limited to individuals aged 60 and above, residents of aged care facilities, and those who were medically vulnerable, who were advised to receive a one-year booster dose.

The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) has broadened the scope, urging all individuals aged six months and above to consider the additional dose for 2023/2024, with particular emphasis on healthcare workers and household members or caregivers of medically vulnerable individuals. Eligible individuals may receive the additional dose approximately a year after their last shot, with a minimum interval of five months.

The committee stresses the importance of keeping one’s COVID-19 vaccination status up-to-date and in line with the current recommendations.

This update in vaccine recommendations coincides with the approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The Health Ministry will begin the phased rollout of these new doses on October 30. These updated formulations are specifically designed to target the newer variants of COVID-19 and are expected to replace all existing vaccines by November 20.

Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated monovalent vaccine, known as Comirnaty, is formulated to combat the Omicron XBB.1.5 sublineage, including EG.5 or Eris and BA.2.86. Starting from October 30, individuals aged five years and above can receive the updated Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty monovalent vaccine, while children aged six months to four years will have access to it from November 20.

Similarly, the updated Moderna/Spikevax monovalent vaccine, designed to target newer variants, will be available for individuals aged six months and above starting from November 14.

In anticipation of the heightened demand for these updated vaccines, the operating hours for all Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres will be extended on Saturdays from November 4 to December 2. On these specific Saturdays, the Centres will be open from 9 am to 7 pm, extending beyond their usual closing time of 1 pm. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the public to expect longer waiting times on Fridays and Saturdays during this period.

The MOH also noted that, as of September 30, the reporting rates of adverse reactions and serious adverse reactions for the mRNA vaccines (both monovalent and bivalent versions) remained rare, with rates of 0.10 percent and 0.007 percent, respectively. The incidence of myocarditis was also rare, with reporting rates of 1.0 per 100,000 doses (0.001 percent) for the monovalent vaccines and 0.4 per 100,000 doses (0.0004 percent) for the bivalent vaccines.

The MOH reiterated that vaccination remains the primary defense against COVID-19 and continues to be safe and effective. They urged all eligible individuals to stay current with their vaccinations.

For specific information regarding the operating hours of the Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, individuals can refer to the official resources provided by the MOH here.

/TISG

The post appeared first on The Independent News.

 

Read also: 

Unvaccinated COVID Survivors at Greater Risk of Heart Complications

 

‘Asian dad’ sleeps on floor of plane on 15-hour flight

Anna Maria Romero
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‘Asian dad’ sleeps on floor of plane on 15-hour flight

SINGAPORE: An ‘Asian dad’ went viral on TikTok after his daughter shared a brief video clip of him sleeping on the floor during a 15-hour plane ride. The video posted on Oct 16 has been viewed a whopping 8 million times, which is no small deal even on the popular platform.

“You have your airport dad, I have my Asian dad,” Ms Natalie Bright wrote on the video. “Flying economy for 15 hours? No problem.” The clip showed an older man stretched out on the floor in front of three airplane seats, with his eyes closed and his arms folded behind his head.

She captioned her video “more room for everybody,” and Ms Bright indeed appeared to be comfortable in the additional space she got after her dad decided to stay on the floor.

@bynataliebright

more room for everybody. #flyingeconomy#fligh5#asiandadsbelike

♬ The Home Depot Beat – The Home Depot

However, responses to the video have been mixed. Some praised Ms Bright’s father for finding a way to get some sleep in a notoriously cramped space that economy class provides travelers with today, while others expressed concerns as to how hygienic, or unhygienic, it is to sleep on the floor of a plane.

“As a past flight attendant, you don’t want to know what I have seen on those carpets,” wrote one commenter. However, others claimed that plane seats may just be as dirty as the floor, although this is arguable.

Read also: ‘I honestly thought we were going to die’ — Passenger says on flight that returned to Singapore after extreme turbulence

Some were surprised that the flight attendants allowed him to do this claiming they were not allowed to do so on a flight. Others said this depends on the carrier. Some commenters expressed concerns that in the case of turbulence, the man could have gotten injured easily, or in the case of rapid loss of cabin pressure, the oxygen masks would not reach him.

A few noted that “Asian dad” was just the right size for the occasion, adding that a person who was 6’3 (190.5 cm) would not be able to fit in the same space. Others had concerns about him wearing jeans for 15 hours straight, noting that this would be very uncomfortable. One commenter wondered why someone who can afford to buy a Rolex would be flying economy class.

But then there were also those who were all praised for the man’s dedication to comfort. “Only peak Dads can make the floor of the plane look comfy,” wrote one. Others called him “smart” and a “long haul king,” and some said they would “100% would do this.” /TISG

Read also: Weight a minute! AirAsia in Thailand asks passengers on some flights to get weighed before boarding

Ho Ching  warns against using supplements to lose weight

Anna Maria Romero
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Ho Ching  warns against using supplements to lose weight
SINGAPORE: In a Facebook post on Saturday (Oct 28), Madam Ho Ching, the wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, warned against the use of supplements to lose weight, posting a link to an article from United States-based health website WebMD and writing that there is  “no clear evidence of effectiveness for most of the supplements. Conversely, there can be a lot of harm.”

Mdm Ho gave the example of caffeine, a natural chemical found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and other sources. She wrote that while “caffeine can raise metabolic rate, and can theoretically help burn up fat faster,” an overdose of the substance can bring about a number of side effects and health risks, such as a higher risk for hypertension, heart or stroke. Moreover, there are also supplements may even result in fatality, she warned.

“The Office of Dietary Supplements under the National Institute of Health in the USA has the latest summary of research and risks associated with the various supplement ingredients that are commonly sold as weight loss, fat reduction, appetite blocker, and other processes for helping to reduce weight.”

Read also: Ho Ching praises durian: “Highly nutritious and energy dense”

She advised that it would be good to check medical websites for more information before taking weight loss supplements that are available and that it would be equally important to talk to one’s physician even before starting a weight loss programme.

“There is one caveat though – just as there are fake studies promoting this or that supplements, there are also quack doctors or unscrupulous doctors who may be promoting certain supplements to earn money,” added Mdm Ho, underlining that it is always better to double check even reputable sources, and/or to get a second or third opinion from a medical professional before going for a weight loss supplement that purports to have no harmful effects.

She ended her post by writing, “We should be aware that supplements are not regulated products in most markets. Hence, there is no guarantee that their ingredients do not include harmful substances. There is no shortcut to a healthy well balanced diet and regular exercise,” and advising people, to not “fret over appearances”

This is not the first time in recent weeks that Mdm Ho has written about health issues, extolling the virtues of the King of Fruits, the durian.

Calling the spiky, aromatic fruit “highly nutritious and energy dense,” she noted that “All in, durians are a good way to counter the typical loss of nutrients in the simplified diets of the elderly who may find chewing of food difficult, and so gradually lose interest in eating.” /TISG

Taylor Swift tie-up pays off big time for UOB

Anna Maria Romero
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Taylor Swift tie-up pays off big time for UOB

SINGAPORE: United Overseas Bank, the country’s third biggest bank saw record credit card fees for the third quarter of this year, partly due to a tie-up with arguably the biggest music star in the world, Taylor Swift. The partnership with Swift appears to have paid off in a major way for UOB, and a similar tie-up with UK pop star Ed Sheeran for his concerts in February of next year is expected to give the bank another boost.

Credit cards fees at UOB increased  by a record 89 per cent year-on-year to S$104 million in the third quarter, bank’s financial results show. This is almost one-fifth of UOB’s income and is double the 10 per cent from 2022.

Read also: Singaporean singles looking for ‘UOB Credit/Debit cardholder’ to be their date to attend Taylor Swift’s concert

UOB got a boost from Swifties, with the tie-up giving the bank’s cardholders access to an exclusive pre-sale last July. The pop star’s only stop in South East Asia on her Eras tour is Singapore, where she plays six shows from March 2 to 9 next year, and tickets sold out in record time.

Ed Sheeran, meanwhile, is bringing his + – = ÷ × tour to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia from February 16 to March 2, 2024, with UOB as the tour’s regional Presenting Sponsor. The presale for UOB Cardmembers last week for Sheeran’s shows in Singapore and Malaysia has already sold out.

“If you have a UOB credit card it’s a small advantage. There’s more to come. Look at Ed Sheeran — it’s the same thing,” said Mr Wee Ee Cheong, the Chief Executive Officer of UOB during a briefing the bank’s third quarter results on Thursday (Oct 26).

See also: Singapore witnesses spike in tourism due to Taylor Swift & Coldplay tours

UOB’s partnerships with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are part of the bank’s thrust toward more lifestyle-related endeavors. Because of UOB’s digital and lifestyle offerings this year which have included concerts, food, and travel, the bank has seen a 28 per cent increase in new customers in the first nine months of this year.

But UOB’s profitable tie-up with Swift may well be part of the superstar’s golden touch. Swift, 33, recently reached billionaire status, Bloomberg recently reported, with a total net worth of about US$1.1 billion (S$1.5 billion). Her US Eras tour, wherein she played 53 concerts across the country, added $4.3 billion (S$5.89 billion) to the gross domestic product.

Read also: Taylor Swift and Singapore: Tailor-made for each other

The re-release of her 1989 album, as well as her Eras concert tour film, are also proving to add to the singer’s profits. “Swift has evolved from a teen pop-country phenom to a world-famous celebrity, while maintaining an earnest, girl-with-a-guitar image that belies the machine behind her,” wrote Bloomberg.

/TISG

KK Women and Children’s Hospital adopts new advanced minimally invasive surgery to perform hysterectomies

Jewel Stolarchuk
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KK Women and Children’s Hospital adopts new advanced minimally invasive surgery to perform hysterectomies

SINGAPORE: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has introduced a minimally invasive surgical technique for performing hysterectomies, offering numerous benefits to patients.

This advanced method has been met with enthusiasm due to its potential to minimize hospitalization, reduce blood loss, and eliminate visible scars, provided it is executed by highly skilled surgeons.

The new technology combines elements of laparoscopic and vaginal gynaecological surgery. Surgeons at KKH employ specialized instruments to access the patient’s body via the vaginal canal, thereby eliminating the need for abdominal incisions.

Consequently, patients experience a swifter recovery period and no residual scarring, in addition to significant cost savings compared to traditional hysterectomies.

While this approach has clear benefits, it demands an extraordinary level of expertise from the surgeons. Currently, KKH boasts three doctors with the requisite skills to perform this intricate procedure.

Recognizing the importance of expanding its surgical team, the hospital is actively engaged in training more doctors to ensure the continued availability of this remarkable technique.

With more than 200 successful procedures completed thus far, it is estimated that approximately 400 patients each year will enjoy the advantages of this advanced minimally invasive surgery, which is primarily geared towards patients with conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Ms Liu (transliterated from Mandarin), one of the patients who underwent this procedure at KKH, opted for it to mitigate the risk of cancer. In her case, the surgery involved the removal of her fallopian tubes and ovaries, which was carried out successfully. She recounted her experience to Channel 8 news, saying that she was able to resume normal activities soon after the operation and didn’t require prescribed painkillers upon returning home.

Apart from KKH, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) also offers this minimally invasive surgical option, which highlights its growing prominence in the field of gynaecological surgery.

KKH, which conducts approximately 1,000 hysterectomies each year, anticipates that half of these surgeries will benefit from this groundbreaking technique, especially for patients with precancerous lesions or cancer, as well as those with benign conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.

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Cost of living, home affordability, govt accountability are top concerns for GE2025—survey

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SINGAPORE: A survey from Milieu Insight released shortly before...

Neighbour won’t spay her cat — now their area is full of mess and strays, says resident

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SINGAPORE: A frustrated resident took to an online forum...

Job seeker asks: ‘Is it really that hard to get hired now, or is it just me?’

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SINGAPORE: A job seeker who has been applying for...

Singapore negotiating US concessions on pharmaceutical exports and high-end AI chips access

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SINGAPORE: Singapore is negotiating concessions with the United States...

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